A severely damaged Toyota Corolla was discovered approximately 10 meters off the roadway in the 700 block of Highway 18 just before 3:00 a.m. on Friday by LaSalle Police Officers who were on patrol. It was apparent that the vehicle had just been involved in a serious collision and officers quickly began to investigate.
Officers located the male driver who was still with the vehicle and began to assess if he was injured. While the officers were speaking with him, he fled on foot and tried to hide but was quickly located. Officers formed the opinion that his ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by the prior consumption of alcohol and he was arrested for impaired operation of a motor vehicle. The investigating officer demanded that the male provide a breath sample which he refused. Refusal to provide a breath sample when demanded by a police officer is a criminal offence.
Paramedics were summoned to assess injuries the male sustained as a result of the collision and he was transported to the hospital for further assessment.
The investigation revealed that the involved Toyota had been reported stolen out of York Region, Ontario the evening prior. Investigators also learned that the male was currently bound by a Judicial Release Order to remain in his residence at all times except for personal medical emergencies. Furthermore, at the time of the incident, the male’s driver’s licence was suspended for a variety of reasons.
As a result of this investigation the male was charged with the following offences and held in custody for a bail hearing:
Impaired Operation contrary to section 320.14 Criminal Code
Failure or Refusal to comply with demand contrary to section 320.15 Criminal Code
Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 contrary to section 354(1) Criminal Code
Fail to comply with Release order contrary to section 145(5)(a) Criminal Code
Two counts of driving while under suspension to section 53(1) Highway Traffic Act
Anyone with information should call LaSalle Police Service at 519-969-5210 or Crime Stoppers at https://www.catchcrooks.com/ 519 258-8477.
Author: Senior Constable Terry Seguin#214
Approved By: Staff Sergeant Nawzad SINJARI